Timothy John O'Brien

Timothy (Tim) John O'Brien 75, passed away from Stage lV Pancreatic Cancer on October 9, at home surrounded by his beloved family.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Tim lived a rich and fulfilling life where he started out exploring the U.S. with his family as they moved among a variety of military bases. He served in the United States Army stationed in Vietnam. After returning home Tim earned his degree at the University of Minnesota in City Planning and Administration. He was a life long learner and continued to take classes at the U of M in subjects that really interested him, like Archeology and Ancient History, especially Irish History. He was very proud of his own Irish heritage. He and Patti made several wonderful trips to his favorite destination of Ireland. Throughout his more than 40 year career in aging services, he worked at a number of Not for Profit Aging Services organizations, retiring after 24 years in a number of roles, but finally, as the VP of Quality & Program Development for the American Baptist Homes of the Midwest. And in retirement, he proudly continued on as a board member at ABHM.

Tims talents and passions spanned many areas. From participating in sports at Benilde high school to later running marathons, including Grandma’s and the Twin Cities Marathons. Even after his retirement he continued to workout at the gym every other day as long as his health permitted. His love of sports filtered through to his family as he championed his three children and grandchildren in their many athletic, academic and personal endeavors. He was so very proud and loving of his family. As a gifted craftsman and with his love of plants and the outdoors, Tim designed and built beautiful outdoor spaces and landscapes for his family to cherish and enjoy for years

Known for his understated, yet fun-loving personality, his sharp wit and dry and charming sense of humor, Tim was the one you always wanted to be seated near. His wide and deep interests and knowledge of history, geography and current events kept him one step ahead of our changing world. Calm, humble, supportive, kind, introspective, lovable and very funny – Tim OBrien was truly one of a kind and he will be forever and deeply missed by all who had the pleasure and privilege of cherishing and knowing him.

Preceded in death by his parents Alice & Richard, his favorite aunt, Kay, his sisters Therese and Maureen and his brother Joe.

Tim is survived by his loving wife, Patti OBrien(Paist), his beloved children, Keith OBrien(Angela), Trina Lundblad(Mathias) and Kerry Orth(Mike) and his step children, Jim Paist and Jennifer Flannigan (Shaun) Tim ardently adored his grandchildren, Aila OBrien, and Sophie and Beatrice(Bea) Lundblad. His great pride was really in this wonderful family.

He is also survived by his brother Dan O’Brien (Ginny) and his sister Bridget Richardson (Tony) and many very loved cousins, nieces and nephews. Tim had many friends, including

his trusted friend; Chuck Gould and several others, along with his former colleagues who throughout the years often became lifelong friends.

While his physical presence is no longer with us, may his legacy of quiet love and caring always live on through those who knew him.

There will be a casual celebration of Tim’s life at O’Halloran & Murphy Funeral home at 575 South Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, 55116 on Sunday Nov 23 from 3 to 6 pm. All are welcome. Donations to your favorite charities preferred.

Our thanks to his care team from Our Lady Of Peace Hospice; Jerri and Kenisha for their gentle care, and also to Midwest Respiratory staff, David, Champ and Mikey for their friendly and very respectful services.

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